Student Achiever: ‘Academics fuels my zest for knowledge enhancement’

She radiates such scholarly erudite vibes, that one can’t help but gasp at her cerebral volumes. Meet Aashini Sameer who is studying in class XII at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. In a candid interview, she shares how she has plans to outshine in life ahead. 

Read edited excerpts here. 

How do you feel after receiving the ATSE scholarship? 

Receiving the ATSE scholarship is an incredibly fulfilling and proud moment for me. After dedicating myself to the preparation, passing the exam feels like a testament to perseverance and determination. This achievement is more than just a milestone; it reflects my passion for learning and my commitment to pushing my limits. It has boosted my confidence and inspired me to strive for greater heights in the future.

What are your plans ahead? 

I am preparing for CUET 2025 with a focused goal of pursuing a BA (Hons) in Economics or Finance.

How did you prepare for the exam?

To prepare for ATSE, I focused mainly on my class XI notes for all subjects, revising them thoroughly to strengthen my concepts. For Mental Ability, I turned to NTSE preparation books, which were incredibly helpful for practice. The exam was scheduled just before my half-yearly exams leaving me with only three to four days to prepare. So, I decided to fully dedicate myself to ATSE preparation during that time, avoiding all distractions.

History ended up taking two days to cover, as it required a lot of detailed revision. I remember going over Political Science in school and studying right up until 7:55 am, just minutes before the 8 am exam started. It was an intense, focused period, but the effort made the accomplishment all the more rewarding.

What was the most challenging part of the exam? 

The most challenging part of the ATSE was the Mental Ability section. With only 45-50 seconds per question, solving some of them felt nearly impossible. Time pressure was intense, and almost everyone struggled to keep up. It became even more difficult with questions on Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning — some of them took as long as more than two minutes to solve. Managing speed while maintaining accuracy was a tough balancing act!

How did Apeejay School support your journey?

Apeejay School organised a series of ATSE enrichment classes in the weeks leading up to the exam, which proved to be incredibly helpful. These classes covered almost all the subjects and focused on two main aspects: reviewing the previous year’s questions and tackling difficult, complex topics that had a higher likelihood of appearing in the exam.

What’s your ambition?

I’d say I try to balance my studies with a sense of responsibility. I’m involved in projects like Project Illumine Minds, Project Ignited Minds, and Project Warmth, as I believe in contributing to causes that matter. I also prioritise working hard to perform well in exams like ATSE and CUET, and I focus on preparation, even when time is limited. I’m genuinely interested in the subjects I study, like Economics and History. It’s not just about getting good grades; I find the topics intriguing and enjoy learning more about them. Ultimately, my goals aren’t just about personal success but also about making a positive impact in whatever way I can.